PowerComm Solutions - PCA-4125 Power Communications Analyzer

Improve System Performance

Get more out of system maintenance testing with valuable and accurate measurement readings not available in other instrumentation. Waveform graphs and helpful conversions are displayed automatically, providing the user with data needed to quickly identify and resolve issues.

Electronic Data Storage & Output

Save, recall, and download field test setups and test results with the first portable Selective Level Meter capable of internal data storage or external data output to a USB memory stick. Each test result is date/time stamped and can be transferred to a computer for report generation, helping users comply with NERC requirements.

Reduce Test Time & Complexity

Test all major elements of a Power Line Carrier system using a single instrument with straightforward and greatly simplified test procedures that significantly decrease test time and chance of user error.

Field Ready

Rugged and compact, the PCA-4125 saves space by eliminating the need to carry multiple single function instruments. The PCA-4125 comes equipped with rechargeable lithium ion polymer batteries and a display with multiple color modes for optimum outdoor viewing. Each instrument ships with a transit case and accessory kit compiled with the field technician in mind.

Overview

The frequency selective level meter (SLM) measures the signal level(s) of individual frequencies from 5 Hz to 5 Mhz.

The SLM home screen displays all relevant frequency selective measurement values including:

Frequency
Level RMS Voltage
Level dBm
Power
Wideband RMS Voltage

Features

Input Flexibility

The PCA-4125 has four inputs available for SLM measurements - three unbalanced and one balanced input.

High Z: A high impedance, high voltage input used for bridged measurements capable of > 100 VRMS, eliminating the need for external attenuators.
18W 50/75Ω: A 50/75Ω terminated input used for setting transmitter output levels.

Low Level: Low level input with programmable impedances of 50Ω, 75Ω, 600Ω or 1MΩ for bridged measurements.
Balanced Input: A balanced input with programmable impedances of 50Ω, 75Ω, 600Ω or 1MΩ for bridged measurements.

Selective Dual Frequency

The SLM has a dual frequency function that allows for selective measurement of two frequencies on a single screen at the same time.

Selective Level Meter Sweep

Perform a passive sweep of the communications path to determine all frequencies present on the line.

Multiple Bandwidth Options

Wide (5 Hz to 5 MHz)
3.1 kHz
1.95 kHz
600 Hz
100 Hz
25 Hz

Overview

The Impedance Meter measures the impedance of different circuits and ranging from 100mΩ to 100kΩ. It is the meter used when testing & adjusting line tuners and traps in a power line carrier system

The Impedance meter home screen displays five measurement values:

Frequency
Impedance
Phase Angle
RMS Voltage
Current

Features

Selectable Display Modes

Each of the display modes below can be accessed during and after a test is completed.

Real Time
Table
Graph

Line Trap Sweep

Simply enter start & stop frequencies and start the sweep.

Simplified Final Line Trap Adjustments

Using the real time mode, set your desired blocking frequency and simply adjust the trap to obtain a zero degree phase angle which results in the maximum impedance at the desired frequency.

Overview

The Frequency Response Analyzer (FRA) has a frequency range of 5Hz to 5MHz and is used to measure the dynamic response of a system or piece of equipment. Power Line Carrier applications include measurement of hybrid & combiner losses and phase.

The Frequency Response Analyzer home screen displays the following measurement values:

Frequency
Gain
Phase
CH1 Voltage
CH2 Voltage

Features

Compare two inputs simultaneously
Selectable graphs for gain or phase

Overview

The VSWR Meter measures the standing wave ratio on a communications circuit using one of two methods. The first method uses impedance to measure VSWR. The second method uses a Model 410/411 external dual directional coupler that is included with the instrument. The meter is primarely used to when taking line tuner reflected power measurements.

The VSWR screen displays seven measurements:

Frequency (Hz)
Reflected Power (%)
Reflected Power (dBm)
Reflected Power (dB)
Forward Power (dBm)
Power (W)
VSWR (ratio)

Features

All Relevant Values on One Screen including percent reflected power
Simulate transmitter frequency with the PCA-4125 generator
Perform "as left" measurements with local transmitter with directional coupler(included in kit).
View multiple frequency response graphs of the line tuner:
- % Reflected Power vs Frequency
- Return Loss vs Frequency
- VSWR vs Frequency

Overview

The PCA-4125 signal generator is a Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) frequency generator with a frequency range from 5Hz to 5MHz. Two outputs are available to accommodate the many instrument modes and applications. The generator's low level output is capable of putting out 0.2 watts into a 50 ohm load and has selectable impedances of 50, 75 and 600 Ohms. The low level generator is also used for impedance and VSWR measurements. The generator's high level output can be ordered as 50 or 75 ohms and is rated 2 watts.

Features

Programmable Waveforms

The PCA-4125 generator signal's amplitude can be set in volts or dBm and can be programmed to be any one of the following wave forms:

sinewave
triangle
squarewave
whitenoise

FSK Control Function

Simplify the process of testing teleprotection scheme timers and functionality with the PCA-4125's FSK Control Function. The FSK control function allows a Guard frequency and a Trip frequency to be entered together with a guard hold time to prove out guard-before trip and pre-trip timers.

Guard & Trip (Mark & Space) Toggle

Set frequency step to channel spacing and toggle between Guard & Trip using the right and left arrow buttons on the instrument keypad.

Overview

The PCA-4125 measures capacitance, inductance and resistance using the impedance function of the meter.

Capacitance Meter

The PCA-4125 uses the impedance function to measure capacitance. The external connections to take capacitance readings require using the signal generators low level output and the low level unbalanced input. These two options are automatically turned on when the capacitance option is activated.

Inductance Meter

The PCA-4125 uses the impedance function to measure inductance. The external connections to take inductance readings require using the signal generators low level output and the low level unbalanced input. These two options are automatically turned on when the inductance option is activated.

Resistance Meter

The PCA-4125 uses the impedance function to measure resistance. The external connections to take resistance readings require using the signal generators low level output and the low level unbalanced input. These two options are automatically turned on when the resistance option is activated.

Overview

The oscilloscope is a very basic but convenient waveform viewer. It can be either single or dual trace, with a sample rate of 5Msamples/s and a time base sweep of 5micros/div to 5s/div.

General

Size & Weight	12"x 9"x 1.75"" (310mm x 225mm x 45mm) 5lbs (2.3Kg)
Display Size & Type	5.7" (150mm) 1/4 VGA Color
Display Resolution	6 digit Frequency 5 digit Voltage 4 digit dBm
Internal Memory	1 GB (Up to 1000 test set-ups, readings, or sweep results)
Sweep Steps	Up to 2000 steps
Data Ports	USB, RS232, LAN
External Power Source	9 to 18V @ 3A 1A @ 12V + charge current AC Adapter or 12VDC from car/external batteries
Battery Type	3 x Lithium Polymer
Battery Life	Approximately 2 Hours
Temperature Range	-5 to +50 C

Selective Level Meter

High Voltage Input
Frequency Range	5Hz to 5MHz
Frequency Accuracy	±5ppm over all temperature range
Magnitude Accuracy	±0.05% range, ±0.05% reading, ±1%/MH
Inputs (Unbalanced) Type & Connection	Differentially isolated & isolated BNC
Bandwidth Frequency Range Settings	1Hz, 3Hz, 25Hz, 100Hz, 1.95K, 3.1K & wideband
Frequency Setting	All frequencies to 6 digit resolution
Frequency Acquisition	Single and 3 stage frequency acquisition
Level Meter Accuracy	±0.01dB
Max Input	±300V Peak
Input Impedance	1MΩ ±5% // 30p
50Ω Input
Max Input	18W (30V rms)
Input Impedance	50Ω ±1% // 30pf
75Ω Input (Option)
Max Input	18W (37V rms)
Input Impedance	75Ω ±1% // 30pf
Low Level Input
Max Input	±10V Peak
Input Impedance	50Ω ±1% // 30pf 75Ω ±1% // 30pf 600Ω ±1% // 30pf 1MΩ ±5% // 30p
Input (Balanced)
Max Input	±10V Peak
Input Impedance	50Ω ±1% // 30pf 75Ω ±1% // 30pf 600Ω ±1% // 30pf 1MΩ ±5% // 30p
Input Type	Differential
Input Connection	3 x 4mm Connectors - Positive, Negative, & Ground
Second Input
Channel 2(CH2)	±10V Peak 1MΩ ±5% // 30pf

Signal Generator

High Level Output
Generator Type	Direct Digital Synthesis (DDS) Single Frequency or Sweep
Generator Waveforms	Sinewave, Square, Triangle, White Noise
Frequency Accuracy	±5ppm over all temperature range
Frequency Range	10KHz to 5MHz
Output Level	2W into 50Ω (10V rms)
Output Impedance	50Ω ±2% 75Ω ±2% (Option)
Magnitude Accuracy	±2% 10dBm to 30dBm (50Ω), 100kHz to 1MHz ±3% 10dBm to 30dBm, 50kHz to 5MHz ±5% <10dBm or >30dBm, <50kHz
Lo Level Output
Frequency Range	5Hz to 5Mhz
Output Level	5V rms into High Impedance
Output Impedance	50Ω ±2% max + 18dBm 75Ω ±2% max +16dBm 600Ω ±2% max +7dBm
Magnitude Accuracy	±1% from -10dBm to 20dBm to 1MHz ±2% from -20dBm to 5MHz ±3% from -30dBm to 5MHz ±5% from -40dBm to 1MHz ±10% from -40dBm to 5MHz
Frequency Shift Delay Timer	0 to 1s (1ms steps)

Impedance Meter

Impedance Range	100mΩ to 100KΩ
Accuracy	±0.2% +2%/MHz
Frequency Range	5Hz to 5MHz
Features	LCR Measurements (Inductance, Capacitance, Resistance, Tan delta QF) Lead compensation (Zero lead function) Impedance versus frequency curve

VSWR Meter

Accuracy	1% of reading from 5Hz up to 1MHz 5% of reading above 1MHz to 5MHz for power measurements (forward & reflected) at VSWR=3
Features	Forward Power Reflected Power % Reflected Power Frequency under test visible on one screen

Frequency Response Analyzer

Frequency Range	5Hz to 5MHz
Gain Accuracy dB	0.02dB < 1KHz 0.05dB < 10KHz 0.1dB + 0.001dB/KHz
Phase Accuracy	0.02° < 10KHz 0.02° + 0.003°/KHz

Oscilloscope

Sample Rate	5 Msamples/sec
Timebase	5µs/div to 5s/div
Trigger	Auto, Normal, or Single shot
Pretrigger	None, 25%, 50%, 75%
Input Ranges	As Selective Level Meter
Second Input (CH2)	±10V Peak 1MΩ ±5% // 30pf